ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: Power Bars (from a Ride & Tier's view)

Re: Power Bars (from a Ride & Tier's view)

George R. Hall (geohall@pacbell.net)
Mon, 08 Sep 1997 09:22:58 -0700

> Today's Topics:
> Re: Power bars (the edible kind-not for computers!)
>
With all this discussion about Power Bars, I feel compelled to add my 2
cents worth. I have been a ride & tie'r and ultrarunner for 18 years. I
originally ate my usual junk food fare of peanut M&M's, Oreo cookies,
pretzels, potatoe chips, etc. during a long ride or run (with an
occasional ham sandwich thrown in). That worked well, but I have an iron
stomach. But, the high fat content slows down your stomach's emptying,
so you can end up traveling with a big bag of food and water not going
anywhere. Many people cannot hardly keep anything down once they are
exhausted or dehydrated. That doesn't do you any good.
Powerbars, Cliff Bars and all those things have been developed to get
you the energy and nutrients you need as quickly as possible with
minimal effect on gastric emptying, etc. I used Powerbars when they
first came out and still do. The taste is ok. The texture leaves much to
be desired, but at least they are durable! Durable wrapper, too ...hard
to get open. Steve Shaw eats Cliff Bars. He likes Cliff Bar's texture
and taste better, they are easier to open, and you get more calories for
your money.
When Steve and I rode & toe'd the BEAUTIFUL (sorry for shouting, I
couldn't help it) Fall XP Rides last week, from the start of the first
day to the finish I was eating Powerbars all day long (I also ate one of
Ann's yummy sandwiches at lunch each day). The first day I specifically
made the decision to eat only them because they are unlikely to upset my
stomach (if I can gag them down in the first place). Running and riding
at the pace we were going, Powerbars were fine. However, if the pace was
fast as in a one day event, Powerbars are hard to get down. There are
gel-like (like thick pudding) products like GU and Power Gel that are
easy to open and go down quick. The big problem with them is the top of
the wrapper is small & easy to drop, and the empty wrapper is a sticky
mess.
There are a lot of products out there. The important thing is to try
them on your tough training rides first. Find what works best for you.
Then you will know what to expect when you are out there competing for
50 miles...and don't forget to keep well hydrated.

-George Hall
Aptos, CA

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